Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE AU PKL

Port Kembla, Australia

Australia · 34.46° S, 150.90° E

The World Port Index classes Port Kembla as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Tasman Sea. It records a channel depth of 15.2 m and a cargo pier depth of 15.1 m. Norfolk is 15,790 km away in a straight line.

15,790 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
15.2 m
Cargo pier depth
15.1 m
Max vessel length
300 m
From Norfolk
15,790 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Botany Bay60 km away

Depths and vessel limits

The index sets a maximum vessel length of 300 m and a maximum draft of 16 m.

Channel depth
15.2 m
Anchorage depth
23.2 m
Cargo pier depth
15.1 m
Oil terminal depth
11.2 m
Tidal range
2 m
Entrance width
305 m
Maximum vessel length
300 m
Maximum vessel beam
50 m
Maximum vessel draft
16 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Port Kembla is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Tug salvage
No
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Port security
Yes
Vessel traffic service
Yes
Shelter afforded
Fair
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

Cargo facilities on record: container, ro-ro, breakbulk, solid bulk and liquid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is 50 to 100 tons.

Container
Yes
Ro-ro
Yes
Breakbulk
Yes
Solid bulk
Yes
Liquid bulk
Yes
LNG terminal
No
Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
No
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Large

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Dry dock
None
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes

US trade with Australia

US exports, 2025
$33.7BLed by machinery and mechanical appliances
US imports, 2025
$29.0BLed by precious stones, metals and jewelry

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Australia

Other ports in Australia

The nearest is Botany Bay, 60 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.